Feelin' Zen

Chinese Garden at the MO Botanical Gardens -- My Favorite Garden


After a long cold Missouri winter and 1 1/2 years on a personal journey to reconnect to my inner wholeness / my "inner woman", I am still in search of that "placeless place" inside myself. That "place" that one can go, even in times of great stress and trauma. I believe we are all trying to find our inner "safe castles". What does it take to make us completely happy? We know that we cannot rely on external circumstance, events, people or things to make us happy because all of those things are in constant change. So true inner happiness must come from within, right? So how do we get there and stay "zen" consistently?

Well, I guess this is a lifetime struggle for some of us, if not all of us. And I find that nature and art -- its imagery -- helps me to feel close to "zen". I believe that when I someday arrive at this "placeless place" -- or even while I journey towards it, I will be able to create art which will truly heal myself and others.

Great books and guides are helping me on this personal journey as well. I am presently reading Dr. Barbara De Angelis' books. My favorite is "How Did I Get Here?" It is about finding one's way without "a map" to rebirth, renewed happiness and hope when life takes us on a different course, rather than what we envisioned. Dr. De Angelis believes that we can all connect to our inner happiness when we need to do so. I am also enjoying books by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. His works explore restoring balance to one's life, spiritual solutions to our problems, as well as the study of the Tao.

As I journey to my "placeless place", I imagine a place of unbelievable, natural beauty -- a feeling of complete peace -- a direct connection to God.


MO Botanical Gardens -- Tulips in bloom along my visiting path. I notice that weather / nature really has an impact on my artistic mood and my overall mood in general. I especially love the ocean, and the water's ionizing relief that it brings to me.

Computer Calligraphy

Envelopes addressed by Computer with a Calligraphy Look

Due to the heavy demand for our hand calligraphy services, we are not always able to fill orders for envelopes to be addressed in handwritten calligraphy. In addition, we find that some papers are not suitable for hand calligraphy due to their quality, thickness, texture, color, or opaque liners.

As another option to hand calligraphy, we suggested computer calligraphy for envelopes to brides. Computer calligraphy gives your invitation's envelope a custom look and can be completed quickly, especially for rush services.

Or perhaps, you wish to combine hand calligraphy and computer calligraphy services in a custom package. For example, your save the dates and coordinating envelopes can be printed in computer calligraphy. Whereas, you may choose to purchase calligraphy done by hand for your handwritten wedding invitations, corresponding envelopes and additional items in your stationery ensemble such as your program cover or place cards.

Online proofs are also provided with computer calligraphy services. Computer calligraphy services are almost always available, whereas hand calligraphy services usually require a few months notice to schedule.

Currently The Calligraphy Lady ® offers a few lettering styles with an added TOUCH of sophistication or whimsy for couture styling; such as computer scanned, hand lettered swirls under the postal zip code! Please email us, if there is a particular script or custom design you which would like for us to create for YOU!

For an envelope set (inner and outer envelopes) which does not include the return address, The Calligraphy Lady ® charges $1.75 a set for computer calligraphy in black ink. Return address printing (for outer envelope back flaps) is 50 cents each for computer calligraphy in black ink. Reply card envelopes printed for 50 cents each. There is a $30.00 flat fee for color ink.

For additional pricing information please email Dayna, dayna@calligraphylady.com, regarding calligraphy done by computer machine.

Read about us in "the knot" Missouri and Kansas Spring / Summer 2008 issue:

where to go

For wedding invitations created from scratch, check out The Calligraphy Lady ®. From traditional letterpress to modern decorative designs, this St. Louis based company can fashion a look that is uniquely you. According to owner, Dayna Bischof, today's brides and grooms want monograms. "They're great because not only are they classic, but they add a personal touch too," says Bischof. (314) 401-3125. calligraphylady.com - written by Melissa Coleman.

PRESS

Look for our unique wedding invitations and calligraphy service in the Knot Magazine! Buy the issue via the knot online.

The Knot Weddings Missouri/Kansas

The latest edition of The Knot Weddings Missouri/Kansas City is here! It's jam-packed with real wedding stories about Kansas City couples just like you -- go behind the scenes and steal ideas from their spectacular celebrations. It's also filled with up-to-the-minute wedding info and the top wedding resources in your area. Find your reception site, caterer, florist, and more -- all in one place.

Our hand-done calligraphy can be thermographed, printed, engraved or letterpressed onto our many high quality papers. Due to the various handwriting fonts, designs, stationery and printing methods we offer, our handwritten invitations vary in price. For 100 handwritten wedding invitations in flat offset print or thermography, the cost is approximately $10.00 a set and up. Hand calligraphy for envelopes is priced separately at $3.25 a set to $4.00 a set depending upon amount of flourishing requested. Computer calligraphy for envelopes is priced at $1.75 a set.

Please contact us at dayna@calligraphylady.com for an exact price quote for any of our invitations. And please feel free to visit our hand calligraphy frequently asked questions page.

Spanish Wedding Invitations
for a destination wedding

Powel Hall
and playbill cover for the Spanish music concert.

I recently attended a wonderful concert performance at Powell Symphony Hall in St. Louis. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performed "Flourish with Fireworks", "Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor", "Danzas fantasticas", and "The Three-Cornered Hat Suite". The last passionate Spanish performance was my favorite! The beautiful Spanish piece moved my heart and soul! Just wish I could have seen the ballet performed to this music too! During the concert, my mind wandered to a few of the wonderful international clients I have worked with over the years, and creating their Spanish wedding invitations. If you are looking for a bilingual option for your Spanish, european or destination wedding, our studio can assist.

Our handcrafted calligraphy can be thermographed, printed, engraved or letterpressed onto our many high quality papers. Due to the various handwriting fonts, designs, stationery and printing methods we offer, our handwritten invitations vary in price. For 100 handwritten wedding invitations in flat offset print or thermography, the cost is approximately $10.00 a set and up. Hand calligraphy for envelopes is priced separately at $3.25 a set to $4.00 a set depending upon amount of flourishing requested. Computer calligraphy for envelopes is priced at $1.75 a set.

Please contact us at dayna@calligraphylady.com for an exact price quote for any of our invitations. And please feel free to visit our hand calligraphy frequently asked questions page.

Art in Bloom. Art Inspired Wedding Invitations

exotic flowers inspire luxurious invitations and weddings!



Art in Bloom at the St. Louis Art Museum
pics of the grand entrance hall of the St. Louis Art Museum -- what a magnificent backdrop for a luxurious wedding!

March 7th friday night, my husband and I went to one of our favorite places, the St. Louis Art Museum. The featured event was "Art in Bloom". Famous florists (the likes of those who work with Gucci, Oprah, Fendi, Carolina Herrera, Martha Stewart and other celebrities) create incredible jaw dropping arrangements that imitate and complement famous works of art. For example, last year a gorgeous floral arrangement was positioned in front of Monet's "Water Lilies", mimicking the soft color of the lilies and their delicate shapes.

Sunflower Wedding Invitations by The Calligraphy Lady®.
Flat printed on hand deckled edge invitations, with hand painted sunflower design.
Hand painted rose wedding invitations, Hand Lettered by The Calligraphy Lady®.
We can add a touch of gold paint to make each bud shimmer too! Buds can be hand painted in red, pink, your choice.

So after you choose your wedding flowers, call upon our services. Allow us to provide you with one-of-a-kind wedding invitations crafted from our inspiration and your unique taste! Our hand calligraphy can be thermographed, printed, engraved or letterpressed onto our many high quality papers. Due to the various handwriting fonts, designs, stationery and printing methods we offer, our handwritten invitations vary in price. For 100 hand lettered wedding invitations in flat offset print or thermography, the cost is approximately $10.00 a set. Hand calligraphy for invitations is priced separately at $3.25 a set to $4.00 a set depending upon amount of flourishing requested. Computer calligraphy for envelopes is priced at $1.75 a set.

Please contact us at dayna@calligraphylady.com for an exact price quote for any of our invitations. And please feel free to visit our hand calligraphy frequently asked questions page.

Orchid Inspired Wedding Invitations

find your inspiration for a purple, lavender, lilac wedding!

I am always looking for creative inspiration for my calligraphy! I love to feed my free spirit and stimulate my higher chakras! Orchids to the answer this day!

I recently attended the "Orchid Show 2008: Storybook Classics" at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. The orchids were spectacular and displayed in every species imaginable. The colors were vibrant and some simply breathtaking. From corsage orchids to rare beauties, the show hosted a huge selection. Tucked playfully among the many exotic orchids were darling imaginative story boards and artfully crafted props from fairy tale classics like "Jack and the Beanstalk", "The Secret Garden" and "The Tale of Peter Rabbit".

At the end of my flowery tour, I snapped a great photo of one of my favorite orchids. Its soft ruffled borders and purple hues reminded me of the flowing ruffles of a magnificent wedding dress train. And the many orchid colors -- for the bridesmaids and your wedding theme, of course! I left the show feeling quite romantic! What woman doesn't love the heavenly aroma of fresh flowers and a stroll through a magical secret garden?

Allow us to provide you with one-of-a-kind wedding invitations crafted from our inspiration and your unique taste! Once upon a time, we also created a gorgeous Orchid Theme Wedding Invitation for a special couple-to-be. Charming handcrafted calligraphy engraved onto sumptuous cotton stationery with hand torn edge -- a custom monogram for added fairy tale wedding romance!

Our handwritten calligraphy can be thermographed, printed, engraved or letterpressed onto our many beautiful papers for a tres chic sensational look! Due to the various handwriting fonts, designs, stationery and printing methods we offer, our handwritten invitations vary in price. For 100 handwritten sets in flat offset print or thermography, the cost is approximately $10.00 a set. Hand addressing of invitations is priced separately at $3.25 a set to $4.00 a set depending upon amount of flourishing requested. Computer calligraphy for envelopes is priced at $1.75 a set.

We also sell TRU Wedding Invitations. Visit tru wedding, then contact us by phone at 314-401-3125 to place your wedding invitation order.

One of our favorite Purple Wedding Invitations which we specialized for a client recently is from the TRU Expressions catalog.

Shown here:


Here is what our happy client wrote:


"The invitation package arrived, and everything looks beautiful! Thank you so much for all your help along the way; from sending tru wedding invitation samples quickly to answering numerous little questions that added up to a lot of your time. We’re so pleased with the wedding invitations. Your suggestions were all on point and presented us opportunities to save money. One of the many things I learned . . . is the value of working with a wedding stationer versus an impersonal company where you never get to speak with the same person twice. Thank you again for making this an effortless experience on our part, your endless patience, and of course, your personal attention to every invitation detail, including the details we didn’t know existed!"

Please contact us at dayna@calligraphylady.com for an exact price quote for any of our invitations. And please feel free to visit our handwritten calligraphy frequently asked questions page.

Engraved Wedding Invitations

FALL, AUTUMN THEME WEDDING INVITATIONS! for September, October, November weddings!

ENGRAVED wedding invitations are exquisite, especially in our hand calligraphy with our "wheat" theme flourishing! And add your personalized monogram -- we can create a unique wedding monogram for you!

Our handwritten calligraphy can be engraved onto our many beautiful papers for a look couture. Due to the various handwriting fonts, designs, stationery and printing methods we offer, our calligraphy invitations vary in price.

Please contact us at dayna@calligraphylady.com for an exact price quote. And please feel free to visit our calligraphy lady frequently asked questions page.

Your engraved wedding invitations will capture true elegance, combining rich papers and your unique style for your fall wedding!

Hibiscus Wedding Invitations

with a hand painted, watercolor "look"

Your wedding guests will want to start planning their tropical vacation to your destination wedding when you send these exquisite wedding invitations printed on stationery featuring heavenly hibiscus flowers.



These hibiscus theme invitations are very popular with our clients who are hosting beach theme weddings or hawaiian tropical weddings and events.

Click on the following hibiscus wedding invitations link to order yours today!

Or type in the item number “EW65RD” in the product search area of our designer wedding invitations site.

I suggest we start with the cake!

If you have been on my website The Calligraphy Lady® which sells unique wedding invitations then you probably have seen my tribute to The Father of the Bride movie, in the written letterform of a beautifully addressed envelope to George and Nina Banks. I even watched the movie to find out the address of their California home (which by the way is different in the first movie than Father of the Bride II).

Here is the hand addressed envelope:



I think this has to be one of my all time favorite movies (besides Breakfast at Tiffany's). I recently wrote a wedding article about wedding cakes and cake toppers for reading.

And guess who inspired it? Of course, Frank, the fabulous flamboyant wedding coordinator in The Father of the Bride movie. And my favorite quote:

"Now, let's see. Ah, this is what I suggest. I suggest who choose the cake, because the cake very often determine what kind of wedding you end up having, so let's just choose the cake, okay?” - Frank or is it Franck?

So if you are a frantic, stressed bride-to-be, pop in this classic movie and enjoy a bit of respite and relaxation. Oh, and after you’ve selected “the cake” -- may we suggest a stop by our site The Calligraphy Lady® to purchase your save the dates, unique wedding invitations and favors. We will help to make your experience stress-free! Like Franck, "We take care of every ting. You not to worry. We do it all."

Ooh la la!

go LETTERPRESS WEDDING INVITATIONS!

LETTERPRESS is a form of printing in which set type is inked, then impressed directly onto the thick, cotton, letterpress stationery. In other words, pressure is used to press the text or image into the paper.

Our handwritten calligraphy can be letterpressed onto our many beautiful papers for a look couture. Due to the various handwriting fonts, designs, stationery and printing methods we offer, our calligraphy invitations vary in price.

Please contact us at dayna@calligraphylady.com for an exact price quote. And please feel free to visit our calligraphy lady frequently asked questions page.

Your letterpressed wedding invitations will capture true elegance, combining rich papers, elegant lettering styles and the resurgence of this centuries old craft of custom letterpress.

très FABULOUS!

We have the perfect invitations with a custom look at a very affordable price! These autum inspired wedding invitations are ideal for a fall wedding. The wedding invitations are as low as $176.90 per 100 invitations. Then purchase your wedding reception card, reply card set and inner/outer envelopes separately as needed. Remember to order additional envelopes for errors during addressing.

Visit our designer wedding invitations site to order your save the dates, fall wedding invitations, finishing touch envelope seals, guestbook, pens and unique wedding favors. Featuring a classic computer calligraphy font in MOCHA ink with a GORGEOUS RIBBON accent, your guests will say "Wow! These are the most beautiful invitations!" when they receive them in the mail.

Once you reach our designer wedding invitations site, enter item number NB98LH-93 in our product search area for the featured "save the date" shown. Save the dates should be sent about 4 to 6 months before your wedding date. So plan ahead and order these for your 2008 wedding. And organized bride is a less stressful one.

Once you reach our designer wedding invitations site, enter item number VRF4600-225 for the featured "fall wedding invitations" shown. And you will also be able to order the elegant foil, envelope seals with embossed fall leaf as well.

And remember, at our designer wedding invitations site, these are just a few of hundreds of invitations, save the dates, bridal accessories and favors which we offer. The possibilities are endless!

Purchase securely online and receive 10% PERCENT OFF all items at CHECKOUT! Order samples, view proofs online or have them faxed to you, rush services often available.

Check back soon for our winter selection of seasonal wedding invitations - which are truly COUTURE!

We offer invitation inspiration and fresh ideas! Our design studio can help you plan your entire wedding stationery wardrobe and reception favors. When you work with Dayna, the Calligraphy Lady®, she will provide you with creative affordable ideas for planning your wedding theme. Clients often call Dayna their wedding coordinator, as well as their invitation designer! She loves sharing her ideas with her clients. So let's get started -- we believe it all begins with your correspondence.



For Samantha and Chad's summer California wedding, Samantha selected our hand painted red roses as her wedding theme. After Samantha booked our handwritten calligraphy services for her unique wedding invitations, we sent her a media kit which contained several calligraphy invitation sets. Dayna also included a sample place card of Samantha's name written in hand calligraphy with a painted rose as an accent. It was love at first site for Sam when she saw her calligraphed card. She also chose the "heart-shaped" flourish which Dayna crafted. We used this as a corresponding theme with the painted roses. And the napkins - claret red with silver foil ink - a show stopper!

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Music Motivates my Calligraphy, Hand Lettering and Illustrations

When my husband came home a few weeks ago with tickets to the Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis to see Norah Jones, I was just a little excited. More excited to go to the Fox than anything, really.

I wasn’t very familiar with Norah Jones and her music. So my husband bought her most recent CD for me. I found her music soothing, but not as alive as some of my other favorite artists like Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Steve Tyrell -- okay I live in the past when it comes to music.

Then I did some research, and I realized that Norah Jones commissioned a calligrapher to design her identity for her albums. Well, that got me hooked a little. Obviously, she had to be a woman of exceptional taste and a lover of art if she hired a professional calligrapher to design her logos!

My opinion dramatically evolved the night of Norah’s concert. Early into her performance, I suddenly remembered the Bobby Darin movie made by Kevin Spacey. In the movie, Sandra Dee tells Bobby, “People see what they hear.” This is a very true statement . . .

Norah Jones is a beautiful, humble lady. Wearing simple faded jeans in non-glamorous fashion but very vogue, she sang a song with M. Ward, during his opening act. How many famous talents do this? I was impressed immediately. When HER show began, I was mesmerized throughout the entire performance. Her stage set continually complemented her voice and captured the soul of her music. Simple cut-out, glittery gold stars dangled from the ceiling, floating above red columns of fabric which were her backdrop. In an almost June Carter style, Norah wore a Dorothy Wizard of Oz type dress and red ruby shoes. She was ELECTRIC! As the lights danced around her with every song, I could SEE what I heard. As she soulfully sang “Lines on your face . . .” -- I felt a beatnik presence cast itself over the stage as smoke streamed upward and lights shadowed the figures of her and the band. It was all perfectly choreographed. I left with my husband, a HUGE fan of Norah Jones. Norah, you are meant to be seen in concert. You are an amazing talent.

That night as I rested in bed, my thoughts were restless with ideas about my own art -- how to put a calligrapher’s soul into creative letter forms. People see my art, but can they HEAR it?

In these next few posts I will share with readers some more personal details about the Calligraphy Lady.

My daily studio habits may not be as exciting as those on the new spoof hit reality shows like “Ace of Cakes” or “Real Wedding Crashers”, etc . . . Shows some of you may enjoy or may not. wink! But I think if I can help or even entertain just one person, one artist, with my insights, well then why not “write” as well as “write” (calligraphy, that is) for you, my blog audience . . .

So what sprints my soul and activates my art? Lots of good stuff -- my husband Tim, family and friends, my puppy dog, and the things I love like music, yoga, meditation, reading, sketching, flying, keeping a journal, walking the MO Botanical gardens (my favorites are the Chinese and Japanese gardens), a trip to the local St. Louis History or Art Museums, studying the great master calligraphers who are no longer with us -- like Irene Wellington. Eventually I hope to share with you how each one of the above mentioned contribute to my creative element.

The items in the above list weren’t always part of my list. They have been added gradually over time. Yoga and dieting have been recent items; ones I initiated last Fall. After years of working long hours, my calligraphy work had really taken its toll on my health and body. I had gained 25 unneeded pounds and was suffering from frequent back pain. I had broken my writing wrist a few years ago due to a bad fall on the ice, and it too was aching frequently. And I knew I didn’t want to end up like so many of my friends who are professional calligraphers and whose bouts of carpal tunnel have kept them in discomfort. So I decided to take a little break from working long hours. And it has been the best thing I have ever done for myself and my clients too. I feel healthier and more alive.

So I want to share with my clients and readers, some great resources I discovered. The first being a yoga tape that I purchased at Target called “Yoga: Conditioning for Weight Loss” by Suzanne Deason. Work out to this tape, and you will instantly feel a strengthening and tuning of your body. You will use muscles you didn’t realize you had! It has been great for my back. It has also been super for my spirit. Yoga allows you to exercise body, mind and spirit simultaneously. So for us multitasking, overachieving, spiritually growin’ folks -- it is perfect! Oh, and try a core exercise ball for ab strengthening. When abs are strong, the back pain diminishes and the back really improves.

In addition to yoga, I incorporated a new daily diet. Not a fad diet, but one that would last a lifetime. I found a book at our local Home Goods (of all places - a favorite haunt of mine) called “French Women Don’t Get Fat”. Apparently, it’s a popular book (I live in a “calligraphy bubble” most of the time -- and don’t watch Oprah or keep up with a lot of celeb gossip), and I think the author Mireille Guiliano has also been on Oprah and done quite an extensive book tour. Anyway, I devoured the book and Mireille’s tips. I have lost 27 pounds and now can wear a size four again. I love you, Mireille! And I love the artist who did the illustrations and graphic design for the book. R. Nichols -- your brilliant simple characters capture the true essence of Mireille’s fabulous book and simple "recipe" for healthy living. (I first discovered R. Nichols stationery when I purchased a box at an estate sale a few years back -- another favorite activity of mine - garage and estate sale hopping). I have also purchased Mireille's second book recently called “French Women: For All Seasons”. You can subscribe to her newsletter for FREE at



www.frenchwomendontgetfat.com

I encourage and invite you to return and to read more . . . I am going to talk about music and its influence over my creativity. We went to see Norah Jones last night at the Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis. Lots to share. It was an incredible performance in a totally, eye-candy, restored building! I'll also share how to create your own ringtones from your favorite CDs for your cell phone.

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ATTENTION: TO OUR CHIC BRIDES

WE OFFER TRU wedding invitations

- UNIQUE collection of exclusive wedding invitations and accessories.

Wedding invitations and essentials as inspiring as the wedding itself. 

Albums include TRU Flowers, TRU Seasons & Destinations and TRU Sophistications. Discounts not available for TRU Invitations - free proofs will apply for TRU orders. 

Email Dayna, dayna@calligraphylady.com, or phone 314-401-3125 for a price quote and to custom order any invitation and accessories at the TRU WEDDING SITE. We do sell in quantities of 25, 50, 75, 100 and up. We can custom order anything you wish on the truwedding.com website. We will work closely with you over the phone during the entire invitation design and order process -- from online proofs to the final shipping. Order now! Call us at 314.401.3125, Monday thru Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm ET.

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"Somewhere Beyond the Sea . . . Somewhere Waiting for Me . . . My Lover Stands . . ." I just love Bobby Darin, don't you?

The Calligraphy Lady® has been receiving many requests for creative ideas and for unique

BEACH WEDDING INVITATIONS for DESTINATION WEDDINGS.

May we suggest for YOUR WEDDING at the beach, other exotic, tropical, hawaiian destinations or fun beach party with friends:

Read more about our hand painted wedding invitations for your destination wedding.

Purchase online our beach wedding save the dates, destination wedding invitations (popular catalog invitations), beach wedding favors and beach wedding accessories featuring the seashore collection - delicate sweet seashells adorn wedding guestbooks, candles and more.

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Featuring Paula Anderson and Paul Bergdall in VA

~I truly enjoyed the time I spent working with Paula and Paul. I remember the first telephone conversation I had with Paula. I could tell immediately she was a client with discriminating taste and so was her husband-to-be, Paul!

For their intimate wedding-at-home, together they carefully selected a gorgeous European inspired hand torn edge ivory stationery for their wedding invitation suite and matching program covers. Offset printed in black ink, each one of their unique wedding invitations had the look of handwritten, personal correspondence. Such a classic look for such an elegant, beautiful wedding couple!

Paula and Paul have graciously allowed me to post their wonderfully written note. (ps I love the part that says the groom suggested hand-written invitations!) I cannot thank them enough for allowing me to create their wedding stationery!

"We're not sure if we ever mentioned how we chanced upon you, but it was
after Paula had dragged Paul through several bridal/card shops and quite a
few disappointing catalogs. At that point, he suggested hand-written
invitations, and she, ever willing to share the planning, agreed. So, off
to the internet he went where he found just as many bad ideas as he had seen
in all those catalogs, except for one.

The year of our wedding was spent in anticipation and planning, and you
certainly figured quite prominently then. In the year since, we have
reminisced often of the "things that we were doing just a year ago". You
come pleasantly to mind as we have looked back.

After our wedding, we realized that you were by far the most professional
person we encountered. Aside from the outstanding quality of your hand, we
found the guidance that you offered, the caring attention to detail, and the
capacity to make good on promises so far above any of the others.

One of the best gifts that we received was one of your invitations, matted
and framed, from our sister and brother-in-law. He does professional
framing, and so we were not surprised when we opened their gift. The
touch that he added was to crop our names from the outside envelope flap and
theirs from the inner envelope and fix them to the back of the frame. It now
hangs in a special place and whenever we pass it, it reminds us of our wedding,
your special place in it, and them.

We are enclosing several pictures for you. As you can see were married on
the front porch of our home. It was a happy and special moment. Thanks so
much for being part of it."
~
With the warmest regards,
Paul and Paula

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Featuring Nicole and Jonathan in Florence, Italy

~Working with Nicole was a definite delight! In fabulous fairy tale style, Nicole and Jonathan were married in Florence, Italy. And they wanted their custom wedding invitations to set the tone for the dramatic wedding they were planning. Because of the luxurious location, we knew their wedding invitations had to be unique, extraordinary and reflective of their special day.

After browsing my calligraphy and hand painted roses, Nicole told me she loved the hand painted pink rose and flourish design of a featured invitation envelope on my site. This inspired her creative idea of placing the rose and flourish design at the top of their custom wedding invitations. Next, she selected letterpress to set the stage for my handwriting on our finest stationery. A hand painted rose and flourish on the outer envelopes to match their wedding invitations completed the ensemble. She chose classic embossing of their address for the back flap of the outer invitation envelopes. For the finishing touch, the rose and flourish design graced their thank you cards.

When Nicole shared their wedding photos with me, I was speechless -- my breath taken away by the sheer beauty of the wedding couple and their spectacular event. Thank you Nicole and Jonathan for inviting me to be a part of your incredible memories!

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~I so enjoyed working with Gerallyn and Tom, creating their unique wedding invitations and accessories! Gerallyn loves beautiful things, beautiful writing and roses. So she chose Spencerian calligraphy for their custom wedding invitations. Next, she selected lovely ivory stationery with a delicate gold round border for a personal touch. For their matching hand addressed envelopes, she decided on hand painted roses. I simply adore her combination of choices. And when she sent me their wedding photos, I could see why she picked romantic roses. What a gorgeous rose bouquet for a beautiful bride! And a talented one at that, so sweet are the little ribbons tied a top each calligraphed place card at their wedding reception. Again, delicate details that add perfect personalization to a wedding.

Corresponding with Gerallyn was fun. She was excited to share their guest's reactions to their wedding invitations, and I was thrilled to know how pleased she and Tom were with the invitations, envelopes and cards. My favorite story Gerallyn shared with me is one I will always remember. She told me that her sister framed their wedding invitation and two personal place cards in a glass framed tray as a gift. I love this thoughtful and creative idea! The tray is displayed on their mantel in their home. I feel so honored to be a part of their wedding and their special memories. Thank you, Gerallyn and Tom!